Portable container and container assembly

ABSTRACT

A portable container and container assembly provides a durable, functional and simple carry-all solution for dry and wet provisions, goods and gear. Exemplary features of various embodiments include one or more of an overmolded pad on the bottom of the container, a removable handle incorporating a releasable retaining structure, a lid that seals within the container cavity and is flush with the outer periphery of the container sidewall and/or has a cellular internal reinforcing structure, a skirt extending around the sidewall that is integral with handle mounts for the handle and/or provides a connection point for external components, and a drop-in tray with a collapsible handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/908,350, filed Feb. 28, 2018, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/464,890, filed Feb. 28, 2017, which priorapplications are incorporated herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the disclosure herein are related to portable containers andcontainer assemblies, such as a five-gallon bucket or pail, and inparticular, to a portable container assembly having various featuressuch as fixed or removable handles, a removable tray, a limited slipbase, and a sealing lid.

BACKGROUND

Plastic five-gallon buckets, or pails, evolved from the early wooden andmetal pails and grew in use in large part due to the popularity ofplastic for food products, and the tendency of metal pails to rust. Asis often the case with many generally inexpensive articles, other usesfor these types of containers have developed, including being used as acarry-all solution for various goods and gear, such as tools andsupplies, as well as provisions such as food items.

However, while an open-topped plastic pail may offer versatility forcarrying almost anything that will fit inside, as the saying goes, “jackof all trades, master of none”, such a container will be found wantingwhen more than mere portability is needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to portable containerassemblies and components thereof, which include one or more of acontainer, a handle assembly, a lid, and/or a tray. Aspects of thedisclosure relate to a portable container assembly that includes acontainer, a handle assembly, a lid, and a tray. The container has acircular bottom that includes a base having a central recess and a padconnected to a bottom side of the base, a sidewall connected to the baseand extending upward from the base to define an internal cavity with anopening at a top of the sidewall, first and second handle mountsconnected to the outer surface of the sidewall, and a skirt connected tothe outer surface of the sidewall. The pad is annular and extends aroundthe central recess, the base has ribs extending downward from the bottomside of the base, and the pad is formed from a flexible material that isovermolded onto the bottom side of the base, such that at least some ofthe ribs penetrate the pad and are covered by the flexible material. Thesidewall includes a shoulder located above a mid-height of the sidewalland forming a horizontal ledge on the inner surface of the sidewall. Theskirt has a horizontal skirt portion connected to the outer surface ofthe sidewall and extending outwardly from the outer surface and avertical skirt portion connected to the horizontal skirt portion andextending downward from the horizontal skirt portion, where a pluralityof ports are defined in the skirt and configured for connection toexternal components. The vertical skirt portion is spaced from the outersurface of the sidewall, such that the gap is further defined betweenthe vertical skirt portion and the outer surface of the sidewall. Thefirst and second handle mounts are integrally formed with the skirt andhave a vertical connecting portion with a receptacle defined therein,with the vertical connecting portion being spaced from the sidewall todefine a gap between the vertical connecting portion and the outersurface of the sidewall. The handle assembly includes a handleconfigured for use in lifting the container assembly and including anelongated piece of a flexible textile material, with first and secondconnection members connected to opposed ends of the handle. The firstand second connection members are removably connected to the first andsecond handle mounts to removably connect the handle assembly to thecontainer, and the first and second connection members are overmoldedonto the opposed ends of the handle such that an overmolded material ofthe first and second connection members infiltrates between fibers ofthe flexible textile material. Additionally, each of the first andsecond connection members has a plug with a recess extending around theplug, where the plug of the first connection member is received withinthe receptacle of the first handle mount and the plug of the secondconnection member is received within the receptacle of the second handlemount. The handle assembly further includes first and second removablefastening members, where the first and second removable fasteningmembers are engaged with the plugs of the first and second connectionmembers within the recesses at locations within the gap to secure theplugs within the receptacles of the first and second handle mounts. Thelid is removably connected to the top of the container to at leastpartially cover the opening and has a plurality of internal reinforcingmembers arranged in a honeycomb cellular structure. The lid furtherincludes a lower portion received within the opening of the containerand having a gasket engaging the inner surface of the sidewall when thelid is connected to the container and an upper portion having a largerperipheral dimension than the lower portion to create a steppedconfiguration, where the upper portion extends outwardly over the top ofthe sidewall, and an outer periphery of the upper portion issubstantially flush with the outer surface at the top of the sidewall.The tray includes a tray body having an outer wall defining a traycavity and one or more internal dividers forming compartments within thetray cavity, a horizontal lip extending outwardly from the outer wall,and a collapsible tray handle connected to the tray body. Thecollapsible tray handle is configured for collapsing in a slidingmanner, such that the tray handle is moveable by sliding between atleast a retracted position where the tray handle does not extend abovethe horizontal lip, and an extended position where the tray handleextends a greater distance upward from the tray body relative to theretracted position. The tray is received within the internal cavity ofthe container and the lip rests on the ledge to support the tray withinthe internal cavity, and the tray handle in the retracted position fitsbelow the lid when the tray is received within the internal cavity andthe lid is connected to the container. Various aspects of the disclosurerelate to each of these components individually and/or an assemblyincluding any combination of such components.

Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to portable containerassembly that includes a container, as well as a lid and a trayconfigured to be engaged with the container. The container has a bottomand a sidewall connected to the bottom and extending upward from thebottom to define an internal cavity with an opening at a top of thesidewall, with the sidewall having an inner surface and an outersurface. The lid is removably connected to the top of the container toat least partially cover the opening. The tray has a tray body defininga tray cavity and a collapsible tray handle connected to the tray body,such that the tray handle is moveable between at least a retractedposition and an extended position where the tray handle extends agreater distance upward from the tray body relative to the retractedposition. The tray is received within the internal cavity of thecontainer, and the tray handle in the retracted position fits below thelid when the tray is received within the internal cavity and the lid isconnected to the container. The tray handle may be configured for movingbetween the extended and retracted positions in a sliding manner in oneconfiguration.

According to one aspect, the sidewall includes a shoulder forming aledge on the inner surface of the sidewall, and the tray body has anouter wall defining the tray cavity and a lip extending outwardly fromthe outer wall, such that the lip rests on the ledge to support the traywithin the internal cavity.

According to another aspect, the tray further includes one or moreinternal dividers forming compartments within the tray cavity.

Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a tray for use with aportable container, which includes a tray body having an outer walldefining a tray cavity, a lip extending outwardly from the outer wall,and a collapsible tray handle connected to the tray body. The horizontallip defines a maximum peripheral dimension of the tray, and the lip isconfigured to rest on a ledge of the portable container to support thetray within an internal cavity of the portable container. The trayhandle is moveable between at least a retracted position where the trayhandle does not extend above the lip, and an extended position where thetray handle extends a greater distance upward from the tray bodyrelative to the retracted position. The tray handle may be configuredfor moving between the extended and retracted positions in a slidingmanner in one configuration.

According to one aspect, the tray may further include one or moreinternal dividers forming compartments within the tray cavity.

According to another aspect, the tray body and the lip may have circularperipheral shapes.

According to a further aspect, the lip is positioned at a top end of theouter wall.

According to yet another aspect, the lip extends outwardly (e.g.,horizontally) around an entire periphery of the tray body.

Still further aspects of the disclosure relate to a portable containerassembly including a container that has a bottom and a sidewallconnected to the bottom and extending upward from the bottom to definean internal cavity with an opening at a top of the sidewall, and a lidremovably connected to the top of the sidewall to at least partiallycover the opening. The lid further includes a lower portion receivedwithin the opening of the container and having a gasket engaging theinner surface of the sidewall when the lid is connected to the containerand an upper portion having a larger peripheral dimension than the lowerportion to create a stepped configuration, such that the upper portionextends outwardly over the top of the sidewall, and such that an outerperiphery of the upper portion is substantially flush with the outersurface at the top of the sidewall.

According to one aspect, the upper portion includes a grasping tabextending outward from the outer periphery and further extending outwardof the outer surface of the sidewall at the top of the sidewall when thelid is connected to the container.

According to another aspect, the container has a rim extending outwardat the top of the sidewall, and the outer periphery of the upper portionis substantially flush with the outer surface of the rim.

According to a further aspect, the lid comprises a top wall and a bottomwall with a space defined between the top and bottom walls, the lidfurther having a plurality of internal reinforcing members extendingbetween the top and bottom walls and arranged in a cellular structure.In one configuration, the cellular structure is a honeycomb structure.

According to yet another aspect, the bottom, the sidewall, and the lidall have circular peripheral shapes.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a portable container assemblythat includes a container having a bottom, a sidewall connected to thebottom and extending upward from the bottom to define an internal cavitywith an opening at a top of the sidewall, and a skirt connected to theouter surface of the sidewall. The skirt has a horizontal skirt portionconnected to the outer surface of the sidewall and extending outwardlyfrom the outer surface and a vertical skirt portion connected to thehorizontal skirt portion and extending downward from the horizontalskirt portion. The vertical skirt portion is spaced from the outersurface of the sidewall, such that a gap is defined between the verticalskirt portion and the outer surface of the sidewall, and a plurality ofports are defined in both the horizontal skirt portion and the verticalskirt portion and configured for connection to external components.

According to one aspect, the container further has first and secondhandle mounts connected to the outer surface of the sidewall, each ofthe first and second handle mounts having a vertical connecting portionwith a receptacle defined therein. In one configuration, the first andsecond handle mounts are integrally formed with the skirt, and thevertical connecting portion is spaced from the sidewall, such that thegap is further defined between the vertical connecting portion and theouter surface of the sidewall. The assembly may further include a handleassembly having a handle configured for use in lifting the containerassembly and first and second connection members connected to opposedends of the handle, where the first and second connection members areremovably connected to the first and second handle mounts to removablyconnect the handle assembly to the container. In one configuration, thefirst and second connection members are overmolded onto the opposed endsof the handle, and each of the first and second connection membersincludes a plug, where the plug of the first connection member isreceived within the receptacle of the first handle mount and the plug ofthe second connection member is received within the receptacle of thesecond handle mount.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a portable container assemblythat includes a container and a handle assembly comprising a handleconfigured for use in lifting the container assembly. The containerincludes a bottom, a sidewall connected to the bottom and extendingupward from the bottom to define an internal cavity with an opening at atop of the sidewall, and first and second handle mounts connected to theouter surface of the sidewall, each of the first and second handlemounts having a vertical connecting portion with a receptacle definedtherein, the vertical connecting portion being spaced from the sidewallto define a gap between the vertical connecting portion and the outersurface of the sidewall. The handle assembly includes first and secondconnection members connected to opposed ends of the handle, where thefirst and second connection members are removably connected to the firstand second handle mounts to removably connect the handle assembly to thecontainer. Each the first and second connection members has a plug, suchthat the plug of the first connection member is received within thereceptacle of the first handle mount and the plug of the secondconnection member is received within the receptacle of the second handlemount. The handle assembly further includes first and second removablefastening members, where the first and second removable fasteningmembers are engaged with the plugs of the first and second connectionmembers within the recesses at locations within the gap to secure theplugs within the receptacles of the first and second handle mounts.

According to one aspect, each of the first and second connection membersfurther includes a recess extending around the plug, and wherein thefirst and second removable fastening members are engaged with the plugsof the first and second connection members within the recesses to securethe plugs within the receptacles of the first and second handle mounts.In one configuration, the first and second removable fastening memberseach include a grip portion configured for manipulation by a user and apair of bowed legs extending from the grip portion, where a slot isdefined between the legs. The first and second removable fasteningmembers are engaged with the plugs of the first and second connectionmembers such that the plug of the first connection member is receivedwithin the slot of the first removable fastening member and the legs ofthe first removable fastening member are received in the recess of thefirst connection member on opposite sides of the plug, and such that theplug of the second connection member is received within the slot of thesecond removable fastening member and the legs of the second removablefastening member are received in the recess of the second connectionmember on opposite sides of the plug.

According to another aspect, the first and second removable fasteningmembers each include a grip portion configured for manipulation by auser and a pair of bowed legs extending from the grip portion, where aslot is defined between the legs. The first and second removablefastening members are engaged with the plugs of the first and secondconnection members such that the plug of the first connection member isreceived within the slot of the first removable fastening member and thelegs of the first removable fastening member are positioned on oppositesides of the plug of the first connection member, and such that the plugof the second connection member is received within the slot of thesecond removable fastening member and the legs of the second removablefastening member are positioned on opposite sides of the plug of thesecond connection member.

According to a further aspect, the first and second connection membersare overmolded onto the opposed ends of the handle. In oneconfiguration, the handle includes an elongated piece of a flexibletextile material, and the first and second connection members areovermolded onto the opposed ends of the handle such that an overmoldedmaterial of the first and second connection members infiltrates betweenfibers of the flexible textile material.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a portable container assemblythat includes a container and a handle assembly having a handleconfigured for use in lifting the container assembly and a firstconnection member connected to the handle. The container has a bottom, asidewall connected to the bottom and extending upward from the bottom todefine an internal cavity with an opening at a top of the sidewall, anda first handle mount connected to the outer surface of the sidewall. Thefirst connection member is removably connected to the first handle mountto removably connect the handle assembly to the container, and the firstconnection member is overmolded onto a first end of the handle.

According to one aspect, the container further includes a second handlemount connected to the outer surface of the sidewall, and the handleassembly further includes a second connection member overmolded onto asecond end of the handle. The second connection member is removablyconnected to the second handle mount to removably connect the handleassembly to the container, and the second connection member isovermolded onto a second end of the handle. In one configuration, thefirst and second ends of the handle are opposed ends of the handle. Inanother configuration, each of the first and second handle mounts has areceptacle defined therein, and each of the first and second connectionmembers includes a plug, such that the plug of the first connectionmember is received within the receptacle of the first handle mount andthe plug of the second connection member is received within thereceptacle of the second handle mount. The handle assembly in thisconfiguration may also include first and second removable fasteningmembers, where the first and second removable fastening members areengaged with the plugs of the first and second connection members tosecure the plugs within the receptacles of the first and second handlemounts. Each the first and second connection members in thisconfiguration may further have a recess extending around the plug, witheach of the first and second handle mounts having a vertical connectingportion with a receptacle defined therein, the vertical connectingportion being spaced from the sidewall to define a gap between thevertical connecting portion and the outer surface of the sidewall, suchthat the first and second removable fastening members are engaged withthe plugs of the first and second connection members within the recessesat locations within the gap to secure the plugs within the receptaclesof the first and second handle mounts. Additionally, the handle in thisconfiguration may include an elongated piece of a flexible textilematerial, where the first and second connection members are overmoldedonto the first and second ends of the handle such that an overmoldedmaterial of the first and second connection members infiltrates betweenfibers of the flexible textile material.

According to another aspect, the first handle mount has a verticalconnecting portion with a receptacle defined therein, the verticalconnecting portion being spaced from the sidewall to define a gapbetween the vertical connecting portion and the outer surface of thesidewall.

According to a further aspect, the first connection member includes aplug, and the plug of the first connection member is received within areceptacle defined in the first handle mount. In one configuration, thehandle assembly further includes a first removable fastening member,where the first removable fastening member is engaged with the plug ofthe first connection member to secure the plug within the receptacle ofthe first handle mount. The first connection member in thisconfiguration may also include a recess extending around the plug, wherethe first removable fastening member is engaged with the plug of thefirst connection member within the recess to secure the plug within thereceptacle of the first handle mount. The first handle mount in thisconfiguration may further have a vertical connecting portion with thereceptacle defined therein, the vertical connecting portion being spacedfrom the sidewall to define a gap between the vertical connectingportion and the outer surface of the sidewall, where the first removablefastening member is engaged with the plug of the first connection memberwithin the recess at a location within the gap to secure the plugswithin the receptacle of the first handle mount. Additionally, the firstremovable fastening member in this configuration may include a gripportion configured for manipulation by a user and a pair of bowed legsextending from the grip portion, where a slot is defined between thelegs, and where the first removable fastening member is engaged with theplug of the first connection member such that the plug is receivedwithin the slot and the legs are received in the recess on oppositesides of the plug.

According to yet another aspect, the handle includes an elongated pieceof a flexible textile material, and the first connection member isovermolded onto the first end of the handle such that an overmoldedmaterial of the first connection member infiltrates between fibers ofthe flexible textile material.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a handle assembly for use witha portable container, including a handle configured for use in liftingthe container assembly and first and second connection members connectedto opposed ends of the handle. The handle includes an elongated piece ofa flexible textile material. Each of the first and second connectionmembers has a base body connected to one of the ends of the handle and aplug extending from the base body, where the plugs of the first andsecond connection members are configured for removable connection tohandle mounts on the container to removably connect the handle assemblyto the container. The base bodies of the first and second connectionmembers are overmolded onto the opposed ends of the handle such that anovermolded material of each base body infiltrates between fibers of theflexible textile material.

According to one aspect, the plug of each of the first and secondconnection members has a recess extending around the plug, and thehandle assembly also includes first and second removable fasteningmembers, where the first and second removable fastening members areengaged with the plugs of the first and second connection members withinthe recesses and are configured to secure the plugs in connection withthe handle mounts of the container. In one configuration, the first andsecond removable fastening members each have a grip portion configuredfor manipulation by a user and a pair of bowed legs extending from thegrip portion, and a slot is defined between the legs. In thisconfiguration, the first and second removable fastening members areengaged with the plugs of the first and second connection members suchthat the plug of the first connection member is received within the slotof the first removable fastening member and the legs of the firstremovable fastening member is received in the recess of the firstconnection member on opposite sides of the plug, and the plug of thesecond connection member is received within the slot of the secondremovable fastening member and the legs of the second removablefastening member is received in the recess of the second connectionmember on opposite sides of the plug.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a portable container assemblythat includes a container having a bottom with a base and a padconnected to a bottom side of the base, and a sidewall connected to thebase and extending upward from the base to define an internal cavitywith an opening at a top of the sidewall. The base has at least one ribextending downward from the bottom side of the base, where the pad isformed from a flexible material that is overmolded onto the bottom sideof the base, such that the at least one rib penetrates the pad and iscovered by the flexible material.

According to one aspect, the base further has a plurality of ribsextending downward from the bottom side of the base, and at least someof the ribs penetrate the pad and are covered by the flexible material.

According to another aspect, the base has a central recess, and the padextends around the central recess. In one configuration, the base iscircular in shape, and the pad is annular in shape. In thisconfiguration, the at least one rib may be arranged in an annulararrangement.

According to a further aspect, the base also includes a channelextending around an outer portion of the base, and the pad is at leastpartially received within the channel

Yet further aspects of the disclosure relate to combinations of featuresand aspects described above, including any combination thereof, as wellas a portable container including any combination of the features andaspects described above as components thereof.

Still other features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the following specification taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of aspects described herein and theadvantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the followingdescription in consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which likereference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable containerassembly in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with a lidand a removable handle removed.

FIG. 3 is a lower perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with theremovable handle removed.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the lidand removable handle removed.

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional side view of the assembly of FIG. 1,including one embodiment of a drop-in tray according to aspects of thedisclosure with the tray having a tray handle shown in a retractedposition.

FIG. 6 is a magnified partial cross-sectional view of a plug, afastening member, and a receptacle for the removable handle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fastening memberfor the plug of the removable handle, in the form of a retainer clip.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the removable lid of the assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of the drop-in tray of the assemblyof FIG. 1, with the tray handle shown in an extended position.

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the tray of FIG. 9, with thetray handle in the retracted position.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view showing one embodiment of apressure relief valve according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view showing one embodiment of agasket for use with the lid of FIG. 8 according to aspects of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the various examples and components ofthis disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, whichform a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrationvarious example structures and environments in which aspects of thedisclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherstructures and environments may be utilized and that structural andfunctional modifications may be made from the specifically describedstructures and methods without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a portable container assembly 100 in accordancewith exemplary embodiments described herein may include a container 102,which can be in the form of a substantially cylindrical structure, suchas a tapered cylinder, which is closed at the bottom and open at thetop. Also, so as to enable storage and transportation of provisions,such as food items for human consumption, this structure 102 can beformed of a food grade plastic.

The container 102 includes a bottom 106 that includes a base 141 havinga central recess 142, and a pad 120 connected to a bottom side 140 ofthe base 141. The central recess 142 may include one or more bracingstructures 145 for increased strength. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.1-5, the pad 120 extends around the central recess 142, and the recess142 is circular, while the pad 120 is annular in shape. The container102 also includes a sidewall 150 connected to the bottom 106 and/or thebase 141 and extending upward from the base 141 to define an internalcavity 103 with an opening 152 at a top 153 of the sidewall 150. Thebottom 106 of the container 102 is circular and defined by a circularbase 141 and a circular sidewall 150, with other circular, cylindrical,or annular components as shown in FIGS. 1-10, although the container 102and the components thereof may be shaped differently in otherembodiments, including oval/elliptical or various polygonal shapes.

The top 104 of the container 102 is open, and the top 153 of thesidewall 150 has an outer rim 102 r extending outwardly in oneembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Also included in the embodiment ofthe container assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1-10 are a skirt 108 attachedto the outer surface 154 of the sidewall 150, a lid 116, a handleassembly 160 that includes a handle 112 and two connection members 113,two handle mounts 110 attached to the sidewall 150, and a drop-in tray130. In one example, the base 141, the sidewall 150, the handle mounts110, and the skirt 108 are integrally molded as a single piece. Inanother embodiment, various features of the container assembly 100 maybe insulated, such as by using structures shown and described in U.S.Pat. No. 8,910,819, issued Dec. 16, 2014, and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/665,494, filed on Mar. 23, 2015, which are both incorporatedherein by reference. For example, in one embodiment, at least the base141, the sidewall 150, and the lid 116 are insulated.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the skirt 108 includes a horizontaland/or radially projecting portion 108 r and a vertical portion 108 vextending vertically or generally vertically downward from the peripheryof the horizontal portion 108 r. The vertical skirt portion 108 v isspaced from the outer surface 154 of the sidewall 150, such that a gap155 is defined between the vertical skirt portion 108 v and the outersurface 154 of the sidewall 150. The skirt 108 may also include openports or slots 109 configured for connection to external components, forexample, for use as tie down, or anchoring, ports for securing thecontainer 102 or securing an external component to the container. Theskirt 108 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 has ports 109 defined in thehorizontal skirt portion 108 r and distributed around the periphery ofthe container 102. As described below, the handle mounts 110 (which maybe integral with the skirt 108) may also include ports 109. As shown inFIG. 3, the skirt 108 may further include support elements 108 s toprovide radial support for the skirt 108. These support elements 108 sextend between the outer surface 154 of the sidewall 150 and thevertical skirt portion 108 v to maintain rigidity and preventdeformation during use. The support elements 108 s may also be connectedto the horizontal skirt portion 108 r to provide strength to thehorizontal skirt portion 108 r as well.

The container 102 includes one or more handle mounts 110 connected tothe outer surface 154 of the sidewall 150, and the embodiment of FIGS.1-7 includes two handle mounts 110 positioned on opposed sides of thecontainer 102. Each handle mount 110 includes a receptacle 111 rconfigured to receive a portion of the handle assembly 160 to connectthe handle assembly 160 to the container 102. The receptacles 111 r arein the form of apertures in one embodiment, but may be formed as apartially-open notch or other suitable structure in other embodiments.Each handle mount 110 in this embodiment has a vertical connectingportion 157 with a receptacle 111 r defined therein, with the verticalconnecting portion 157 extending vertically or generally vertically andbeing spaced from the sidewall 150 to define a gap 155 between thevertical connecting portion 157 and the outer surface 154 of thesidewall 150. The vertical connecting portion 157 of each handle mount110 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 has a port 109 therein for connectionto external components, as described above. Each mount 110 also has atransverse portion 158 connected to the outer surface 154 of thesidewall 150 and extending outward from the sidewall 150 in theembodiment of FIGS. 1-6, such that the vertical connecting portion 157is parallel or generally parallel to the sidewall 150 and the transverseportion 158 is transverse to the sidewall 150 and the verticalconnecting portion 157. The vertical connecting portion 157 depends fromthe transverse portion 158 in this configuration. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-6, the mounts 110 are integrally formed with the skirt 108, suchthat the transverse portion 158 of each of the mounts 110 is continuouswith the horizontal skirt portion 108 r and the vertical connectingportion 157 of each of the mounts 110 is continuous with the verticalskirt portion 108 v. The transverse portion 158 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-6 has an arched shape that arcs upward from the horizontal skirtportion 108 r on both sides of the mount 110. Additionally, the lowerportions of the transverse portion 158 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6extend slightly outward of the vertical skirt portion 108 v on bothedges of the vertical connecting portion 157, such that the verticalconnecting portion 157 is positioned slightly radially outward of theadjacent areas of the vertical skirt portion 108 v. In thisconfiguration, the gap 155 extends continuously between the skirt 108and the sidewall 150 and between the mounting portions 110 and thesidewall 150.

The bottom 106 of the container 102 may include a pad 120 as describedabove, which can be used to provide a limited slip surface orslip-resistant surface. In one embodiment, the pad 120 may be formed ofa flexible and/or low durometer material (e.g., rubber or silicone) thatis overmolded, or injection molded, onto the base 141. As shown in FIGS.3-5, the pad 120 may be connected at least partially within a cavity orchannel 143 formed on the bottom surface 140 of the base 141 in oneembodiment. The channel 143 may extend around an outer portion of thebase 141, and in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the channel 143 is anannular channel 143 that extends around the central recess 142. Thecavity/channel 143 may have a different shape in another embodiment. Itis understood that the base 141 may include multiple cavities orchannels 143 with pads 120 formed therein. As also illustrated in FIGS.4-5, the base 141 may include one or more downwardly projecting ribs 106f formed on the bottom surface 140 and within the channel 143 (ifpresent). At least some of the rib(s) 106 f penetrate the material ofthe pad 120 and are covered by the material forming the pad 120 when thepad 120 is overmolded onto the base 141. The rib(s) 106 f may provideadditional surface area and structure to which the molding material ofthe pad 120 can bind itself to retain and enhance the connection betweenthe base 141 and the pad 120, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. In one embodiment,as illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, the base 141 includes as one or more ribs106 f that penetrate the pad 120 and are completely covered by the pad120, as well as other ribs 106 f that define the inner and outer boundsof the channel 143, which may be at least partially covered by the pad120. The rib(s) 106 f defining the channel 143 in FIGS. 4-5 have ridgedor textured surfaces 146 facing into the channel 143 to engage and moresecurely retain the pad 120, and the penetrating rib(s) 106 f mayinclude such surfaces 146 on one or both sides as well in otherembodiments. The rib(s) 106 f that penetrate the pad 120 in FIGS. 4-5may be formed to correspond to the shapes of the cavity/channel 143and/or the pad 120. For example, the rib(s) 106 f in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5 may be arranged in an annular arrangement, such as a singleannular rib 106 f or multiple ribs 106 f arranged in arcs to form anannular or substantially annular structure. The portion of the container102 as shown in FIG. 4 has one or more ribs 106 f penetrating thematerial of the pad 120 in an single annular arrangement that extendsaround the entire channel 143, while the portion of the container 102 inFIG. 5 has additional ribs 106 f penetrating the material of the pad120, some or all of which may be arranged in intermittent concentricannular arrangements. Further arrangements of ribs 106 f may beincorporated into other embodiments.

The handle assembly 160 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 includes a handle112 and a handle connection structure for removably connecting thehandle 112 to the container 102, including one or more handle connectionmembers 113 configured for connection to the handle mounts 110 andfastening members 113 c configured for connecting the connection members113 to the handle mounts 110. In one embodiment, the handle 112 may beelongated and flexible, and may include, as an accessory, a removablesliding grip 114. The grip 114 can include a longitudinal gap, or slot,115 allowing the grip 114 to be removed and replaced, as desired, aswell as to enable a user to slide the grip 114 along the length of thehandle 112. The handle 112 can, in certain examples, be fabricated fromhigh tensile polyester webbing, but can be in other forms or formed ofother materials, such as nylon in the form of a rope-like handle ormetal. In one embodiment, the handle 112 is made from a flexible textilematerial, such as a woven or braided structure or other structure madefrom interconnected fibers, for example, a polyester or nylon woventextile.

The handle connection members 113 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 each includea plug 113 p that is inserted into the receptacles 111 r on the handlemounts 110. The structure of the handle connection members 113 in thisembodiment includes a base body 162 that is connected to one of the endsof the handle 112, with the plug 113 p extending outwardly from the basebody 162. Each plug 113 p in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 has a notch orrecess 163 configured for connection to the fastening members 113 c, asdescribed elsewhere herein. The recess 163 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6extends around the entire periphery of the plug 113 p. It is understoodthat the handle connection members 113 may have different structures inother embodiments, and may have structures that are complementary withthe structures of the handle mounts 110 to facilitate connection.

In one embodiment, the handle connection members 113 may be connected tothe handle 112 by overmolding the handle connection members 113 to theends of the handle 112. The handle connection members 113 in FIGS. 1-6are each formed of a single molded piece, such that the base body 162 isintegrally formed with the plug 113 p. Such a single-piece handleconnection member 113 may be molded onto the end of the handle 112 suchthat the end of the handle 112 is positioned inside the base body 162.In another embodiment, where the plug 113 p may be a separate piececonnected to the base body 162, the handle connection members 113 may beconnected to the handle 112 by overmolding the base body 162 of eachhandle connection member 113 to the handle 112 and later connecting theplug 113 p to the base body 162. As described herein, the handle 112 inone embodiment may be made of a textile material, and in thisembodiment, the overmolded material forming the handle connection member113 infiltrates and penetrates between the fibers of the textilematerial of the handle 112. In another embodiment, a different materialmay be used for the handle connection member 113 that has a structurethat is porous, permeable, etc., and the overmolding process may causethe overmolded material of the base body 162 to infiltrate and penetrateinto pores, interstices, or other permeable areas of the material. Thisovermolded connection structure creates an extremely strong and durablebond without the use of additional fastening components or materials,which add further expense and weight. In other embodiments, the handleconnection members 113 may be connected to the handle 112 using adifferent technique.

The handle connection members 113 are configured for removableconnection to the handle mounts 110 on the container 102 to connect thehandle 112 and the handle assembly 160 to the container 102. In theconfiguration illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the plug 113 p of the handleconnection member 113 is inserted into the receptacle 111 r of thehandle mount 110 on the container. A fastening member 113 c may beengaged with the plug 113 p to secure the plug 113 p in connection withthe handle mount 110 and prevent lateral forces on the handle 112 (e.g.,during lifting or carrying) from causing the plug 113 p to be pulledfrom the receptacle 111 r. FIG. 6 illustrates the fastening members 113c being connected to the plugs 113 p of the handle connection members113 at a location that is beneath the overhang of the handle mount 110and within the gap 155 between the handle mount 110 and the outersurface 154 of the sidewall 150. This configuration provides protectionfor the fastening members 113 c, to resist inadvertent contact that maycause the fastening members 113 c to become disconnected.

The fastening member 113 c is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, and in thisembodiment, the fastening member 113 c is in the form of a retainerclip. The fastening member 113 c as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 includes ahandle portion or grip portion 113 ch providing a gripping surface formanipulation by the user during connection and removal of the fasteningmember 113 c with the plug 113 p. The fastening member 113 c alsoincludes two legs 113 cr extending from the grip portion 113 ch, where aslot 164 is defined between the legs 113 cr. The legs 113 cr in theembodiment of FIGS. 6-7 are bowed apart, and the slot 164 has an openend having flared tips 113 co to facilitate sliding the fastening member113 c over the plug 113 p. This clip 113 c can be formed of any suitablematerial that is sufficiently rigid and yet sufficiently flexible andresilient to enable installation and removal of the clip 113 c on theplug 113 p by the user. In one embodiment, the fastening member 113 c isconnected to the plug 113 p by inserting the plug 113 p within the slot164, such that the legs 113 cr fit within or otherwise engage the recess163 on the plug 113 p. As shown in FIG. 6, the legs 113 cr of thefastening member 113 c are received within the recess 163 on oppositesides of the plug 113 p. When the handle 112 is desired to be removedfrom the container 102, the user can grasp the grip portion 113 ch andpull the fastening member 113 away from the plug 113 p to permit theplug 113 p to be removed from the handle mount 110. The resiliency ofthe legs 113 cr of the fastening member 113 c permits the legs 113 cr tobe spread slightly apart when engaging the fastening member 113 c withthe plug 113 p in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. The fastening member 113c may be differently configured in other embodiments, such as variousclamps, screws, bolts, pins (e.g., a cotter pin), keys, tabs, and otherretaining or locking structures. For example, the fastening member 113 cmay include a hinge/spring combination or other structure for assistingengagement with the plug 113 p.

The container assembly 100 can also include a lid 116 removablyconnected to the top 104 of the container 102 to at least partiallycover the opening 152. The lid 116 is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, and 8.Referring to FIG. 8, the lid 116 includes a top or upper portion 116 t,and a bottom or lower portion 116 b that is at least partially receivedwithin the opening 152 when the lid 116 is connected to the container102. The lower potion 116 b in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 5, and 8includes a seal or gasket 117 that provides a seal (e.g., againstmoisture, external contamination, etc.) between the interior of thecontainer 102 and the external environment when the lid 116 ispress-fitted into the opening 152 of the container 102. The gasket 117also provides a frictional retaining function to retain the lid 116 inplace on the container 102. FIG. 12 illustrates one example of a gasket117 for use with the lid 116. The gasket 117 in FIG. 12 includes anannular base 117 a that is received within an annular recess 117 b onthe lower portion 116 b of the lid 116, and an annular or frusto-conicallip 117 c that extends from the base 117 b angularly outward and upwardtoward the upper portion 116 t of the lid 116. Other gasket 117configurations may be used in other embodiments.

The lid 116 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 5, and 8 has a steppedconfiguration, such that the peripheral dimension (e.g., diameter) ofthe upper portion 116 t is larger than that of the lower portion 116 b.In this configuration, the lower portion 116 b fits within the containeropening 152, while the upper portion 116 t is substantially flush withthe outer surface 154 of the sidewall 150 at the top 153 of the sidewall150. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 5, the upper portion 116 t issubstantially flush with the outer surface 154 at the rim 102 r. It isunderstood that the upper portion 116 t may be considered to be flush orsubstantially flush with the outer surface 154 of the sidewall 150 evenif the components are not flush around the entire outer periphery of thecontainer 102. For example, the lid 116 in FIGS. 1 and 5 has a graspingtab 171 extending outward from the edge of the lid 116, and thisgrasping tab 171 extends further outward of the outer surface 154 of thesidewall 150.

Additionally, the lid 116 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 5, and 8 has aninternal reinforcing structure. In this embodiment, the lid 116 has atop wall 172 and a reinforcing structure including a plurality ofinternal reinforcing members 175 connected to the underside of the topwall 172 and extending downward below the top wall to form a bottom 173of the lid 116. The reinforcing members 175 in the embodiment of FIGS.1, 5, and 8 are arranged in a cellular structure, e.g., a honeycomb orhexagonal cellular structure, including a plurality of cells 174 thatare open on the bottom 173 of the lid 116 in this embodiment. In anotherembodiment, the lid 116 may further include a bottom wall forming thebottom 173 of the lid 116 and defining an enclosed or semi-enclosedspace between the top wall 172 and the bottom wall. In thisconfiguration, the reinforcing members 175 may be positioned within thespace and may be connected to and extend between the top wall 172 andthe bottom wall. Some or all of the cells 174 in this configuration maybe enclosed or substantially enclosed. It is understood that othercellular and non-cellular structures may be used.

In one embodiment, the lid 116 may include a pressure relief mechanism,which may function to permit air inside the container 102 to escape ifexcessive pressure builds up due to tight sealing, e.g., by the gasket117. FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of such a pressure reliefmechanism in the form of a pressure release valve 176 connected to andextending through the top wall 172 of the lid 116. The valve 176 in FIG.11 is a one-way umbrella valve, with a mounting portion 177 and a valveportion 178 connected to the mounting portion and permitting one-wayairflow through the lid and out of the container cavity 103 (upward inFIG. 11) while providing a waterproof seal. The mounting portion 177 isa column or tubular body that securely mounts the valve 176 to the lid116. The valve portion 178 has a lip portion 178 a extending downwardand outward from the mounting portion 177 in a frusto-conicalconfiguration and covering a plurality of passages 178 b through the lid116. This configuration resists flow of moisture and/or air into thecontainer cavity 103 through the lip portion 178 a and the passages 178b, while permitting air to flow out of the cavity 103 through thepassages 178 b when pressure in the container 102 increases, e.g.,during insertion of the lid 116 or as a result of temperature changes.The mounting portion 177 extends through an opening 179 in the top wall172 of the lid 116, and the opening 179 may be positioned in a thinnedor recessed portion 179 a of the lid 116. The mounting portion 177includes an annular lip or groove 177 a that engages the edge of theopening 179 in a sealing configuration and retains the valve 176 inconnection with the lid 116 once inserted. The entire valve 176 in FIG.11 is formed of a single piece of a flexible polymer material, e.g.,silicone rubber or other elastomeric material, in one embodiment, butmay be made of other materials or multiple materials in otherembodiments. Other valves, including other one-way or two way valves,may be used in other embodiments.

The container assembly 100 may also include a tray 130 that can beinserted within the cavity 103 of the container 102, in one embodiment.An example embodiment of the tray 130 is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and9-10. The container 102 may further include structure for supporting thetray 130 within the cavity 103. In one embodiment, the sidewall 150 ofthe container 102 has a horizontal ledge 102 l on the inner surface 159of the sidewall 150, where a portion of the tray 130 sits on the ledge102 l to support the tray 130. The ledge 102 l in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5 is formed by a shoulder 151 on the sidewall 150, i.e., astepped diameter increase in the sidewall 150 that extends around theentire sidewall 150. In other embodiments, the ledge 102 l may have adifferent configuration, such as a cantilevered shelf that extendsinwardly from the sidewall 150, and the ledge 102 l may extendintermittently around the inner surface 159 of the sidewall 150 inanother embodiment. The shoulder 151 and the ledge 102 l are locatedabove the mid-height of the sidewall 150 as shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in accordance with exemplary embodiments,the drop-in-tray 130 includes a tray body 138 with an outer wall 131that defines a tray cavity 139 and a tray handle 132 connected to thetray body 138 for grasping by a user. The tray 130 may have structureconfigured to rest on the ledge 102 l of the container, and the tray 130in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 9-10 includes a lip 131 l extendingradially outward from the top of the outer wall 131, and the lip 131 lsits on the ledge 102 l to support the tray 130 within the cavity 103.The outer wall 131 in FIGS. 5 and 9-10 is tapered radially inward as itextends downward from the ledge 131 l. The tray cavity 139 can includemultiple cavities 131 a, 131 b, 131 c for storage, separated by one ormore vertical internal dividers 131 d. The tray handle 132 in FIGS. 5and 9-10 includes a horizontal portion 132 h configured for grasping bythe user and a vertical 132 v portion connecting the tray handle 132 tothe tray body 138.

In one example embodiment, the handle 132 is collapsible so as to allowat least a portion of the handle 132 to be collapsed, or recessed, asdesired, defining at least an extended position and a retractedposition. The handle 132 in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 9-10 collapsesin a sliding (e.g., telescopic) manner, with the vertical portion 132 vof the handle 132 sliding or telescoping linearly upward and downwardwithin apertures 137 in the tray body 138 to extend and collapse thehandle 132. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9-10, the handle 132 in thisembodiment is moveable to a retracted position (FIGS. 5 and 10) wherethe handle 132 fits below the lid 116 when the tray 130 is received inthe cavity 103 of the container 102 and the lid 116 is connected to thecontainer 102. This is to allow for placement of the lid 116 followinginsertion of the tray 130. In one embodiment, the retracted handle 132is positioned entirely at or below the plane of the tray lip 131 land/or does not extend above the lip 131 l. In another embodiment, theretracted handle 132 may extend slightly above the plane of the tray lip131 l but still below the adjacent portions of the lid 116. The handle132 in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 9-10 is also moveable to anextended position (FIG. 9), where the handle 132 is positioned fartherupward relative to the retracted position. This allows the handle 132 tobe moved upwardly to facilitate removal and carrying of the tray 130.Alternate collapsible structures can be used as well, as will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a foldablecollapsible structure could be used, thereby enabling folding of thehandle downward to provide clearance for the lid 116. In a furtherembodiment, the lid 116 may be provided with accommodating structure,such as a recess on the underside thereof, to assist in accommodatingthe handle 132 in combination with or independently from the use of acollapsible structure for the handle 132.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described andillustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art wouldappreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possiblecombinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinaryskill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodimentscould be provided in any combination with the other embodimentsdisclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments,therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details givenherein. The terms “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., as usedherein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit theembodiments in any way. In particular, these terms do not imply anyorder or position of the components modified by such terms.Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any numbergreater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary,up to an infinite number. Further, as used herein, “horizontal” and“vertical” are general relative terms. The definition of “vertical” isnot limited to structures that are precisely perpendicular to theground, the definition of “horizontal” is not limited to structures thatare precisely parallel to the ground, and reference to differentcomponents as being “horizontal” and “vertical” does not imply thatthese components are precisely perpendicular to each other. Accordingly,while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerousmodifications come to mind without significantly departing from thespirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable container assembly comprising: acontainer comprising: a bottom; a sidewall connected to the bottom andextending upward from the bottom to define an internal cavity with anopening at a top of the sidewall, the sidewall having an inner surfaceand an outer surface; first and second handle mounts connected to theouter surface of the sidewall, each of the first and second handlemounts having a vertical connecting portion with a receptacle definedtherein, the vertical connecting portion being spaced from the sidewallto define a gap between the vertical connecting portion and the outersurface of the sidewall; and a skirt connected to the outer surface ofthe sidewall and extending outward and downward from the outer surfaceof the sidewall, such that a portion of the skirt is spaced from thesidewall, wherein the skirt and the first and second handle mounts areintegrally formed as a single piece that extends around a periphery ofthe sidewall, and the gap between the vertical connecting portions andthe outer surface of the sidewall further extends between the skirt andthe sidewall; and a handle assembly comprising a handle configured foruse in lifting the portable container assembly and first and secondconnection members connected to opposed ends of the handle, wherein thefirst and second connection members are removably connected to the firstand second handle mounts to removably connect the handle assembly to thecontainer, each of the first and second connection members comprising aplug, wherein the plug of the first connection member is received withinthe receptacle of the first handle mount and the plug of the secondconnection member is received within the receptacle of the second handlemount; wherein the handle assembly further comprises first and secondremovable fastening members, wherein the first and second removablefastening members are engaged with the plugs of the first and secondconnection members at locations within the gap to secure the plugswithin the receptacles of the first and second handle mounts; whereinthe first and second removable fastening members each comprise a gripportion configured for manipulation by a user and a pair of bowed legsextending from the grip portion, wherein a slot is defined between thepair of bowed legs, and wherein the first and second removable fasteningmembers are engaged with the plugs of the first and second connectionmembers such that the plug of the first connection member is receivedwithin the slot of the first removable fastening member and the pair ofbowed legs of the first removable fastening member are positioned onopposite sides of the plug of the first connection member, and the plugof the second connection member is received within the slot of thesecond removable fastening member and the pair of bowed legs of thesecond removable fastening member are positioned on opposite sides ofthe plug of the second connection member; and wherein the grip portionof the first removable fastening member is enlarged in a transversedirection relative to the pair of bowed legs of the first removablefastening member, wherein the grip portion has a thickness in thetransverse direction that is greater than a width of the grip portion,and wherein the width of the grip portion is defined in a perpendiculardirection to the transverse direction, and the grip portion of thesecond removable fastening member is enlarged in a transverse directionrelative to the pair of bowed legs of the second removable fasteningmember, wherein the grip portion has a thickness in the transversedirection that is greater than a width of the grip portion, and whereinthe width of the grip portion is defined in a perpendicular direction tothe transverse direction.
 2. The portable container assembly of claim 1,wherein a plurality of ports are defined in the skirt and distributedaround the periphery of the sidewall, each of the ports being configuredfor connection to external components.
 3. The portable containerassembly of claim 1, wherein the skirt comprises a horizontal skirtportion connected to the outer surface of the sidewall and extendingoutwardly from the outer surface and a vertical skirt portion connectedto the horizontal skirt portion and extending downward from thehorizontal skirt portion, and wherein the first and second handle mountseach further comprise a transverse portion extending outward from theouter surface of the sidewall such that the vertical connecting portionextends downward from the transverse portion.
 4. The portable containerassembly of claim 3, wherein the transverse portions of the first andsecond handle mounts are continuous with the horizontal skirt portion.5. The portable container assembly of claim 3, wherein the horizontalskirt portion and the transverse portions of the first and second handlemounts combine to form a continuous surface extending around theperiphery of the sidewall.
 6. The portable container assembly of claim1, wherein the handle is formed of a flexible material, and the firstand second connection members each comprise a base body connected to thehandle, and wherein the base body of each of the first and secondconnection members is enlarged with respect to the plug thereof, and theplug of each of the first and second connection members is connected tothe base body thereof and projects from the base body.
 7. The portablecontainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the sidewall comprises a shoulderlocated above a mid-height of the sidewall and forming a horizontalledge on the inner surface of the sidewall, the portable containerassembly further comprising: a lid removably connected to the containerat the top of the sidewall to at least partially cover the opening, thelid having a plurality of internal reinforcing members arranged in ahoneycomb cellular structure, the lid further comprising a lower portionreceived within the opening of the container and having a gasketengaging the inner surface of the sidewall when the lid is connected tothe container and an upper portion having a larger peripheral dimensionthan the lower portion to create a stepped configuration, wherein theupper portion extends outwardly over the top of the sidewall, andwherein an outer periphery of the upper portion is substantially flushwith the outer surface at the top of the sidewall; and a tray comprisinga tray body having an outer wall defining a tray cavity and one or moreinternal dividers forming compartments within the tray cavity, ahorizontal lip extending outwardly from the outer wall, and acollapsible tray handle connected to the tray body and configured forcollapsing in a sliding manner, such that the tray handle is moveable bysliding between at least a retracted position where the tray handle doesnot extend above the horizontal lip, and an extended position where thetray handle extends a greater distance upward from the tray bodyrelative to the retracted position, wherein the tray is received withinthe internal cavity of the container and the horizontal lip rests on thehorizontal ledge to support the tray within the internal cavity, andwherein the tray handle in the retracted position fits below the lidwhen the tray is received within the internal cavity and the lid isconnected to the container.
 8. The portable container assembly of claim1, wherein the bottom comprises a base and a pad connected to a bottomside of the base, the base having a rib extending downward from thebottom side of the base, wherein the pad is formed from a flexiblematerial that is overmolded onto the bottom side of the base, such thatthe rib penetrates the pad and is covered by the flexible material.
 9. Aportable container assembly comprising: a container comprising: abottom; a sidewall connected to the bottom and extending upward from thebottom to define an internal cavity with an opening at a top of thesidewall, the sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface;first and second handle mounts connected to the outer surface of thesidewall, each of the first and second handle mounts having a connectingportion, the connecting portion being spaced from the sidewall to definea gap between the connecting portion and the outer surface of thesidewall; and a skirt connected to the outer surface of the sidewall,wherein the skirt comprises a horizontal skirt portion extending outwardfrom the outer surface of the sidewall and a vertical skirt portionextending from the horizontal skirt portion, such that a portion of theskirt is spaced from the sidewall, wherein the skirt and the first andsecond handle mounts are integrally formed as a single piece thatextends around a periphery of the sidewall, and the gap between theconnecting portions and the outer surface of the sidewall furtherextends between the skirt and the sidewall; and a handle assemblycomprising a handle configured for use in lifting the portable containerassembly and first and second connection members connected to opposedends of the handle, wherein the first and second connection members areremovably connected to the connecting portions of the first and secondhandle mounts to removably connect the handle assembly to the container;and wherein a plurality of ports are defined in the skirt anddistributed around the periphery of the sidewall, each of the portsbeing configured for connection to external components, wherein theplurality of ports include a first port on the horizontal skirt portionand a second port on the vertical skirt portion.
 10. The portablecontainer assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and second handlemounts each further comprise a transverse portion extending outward fromthe outer surface of the sidewall such that the connecting portionextends downward from the transverse portion.
 11. The portable containerassembly of claim 10, wherein the transverse portions of the first andsecond handle mounts are continuous with the horizontal skirt portion.12. The portable container assembly of claim 10, wherein the horizontalskirt portion and the transverse portions of the first and second handlemounts combine to form a continuous surface extending around theperiphery of the sidewall.
 13. A container comprising: a bottom; asidewall connected to the bottom and extending upward from the bottom todefine an internal cavity with an opening at a top of the sidewall, thesidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface; first and secondhandle mounts connected to the outer surface of the sidewall, each ofthe first and second handle mounts having a transverse portion extendingoutward from the outer surface of the sidewall and a vertical connectingportion extending downward from the transverse portion, each of thevertical connecting portions having a receptacle defined therein, thereceptacles being configured to receive connection members of a handleassembly for connecting the handle assembly to the container, and eachof the vertical connecting portions being spaced outwardly from thesidewall; and a skirt connected to the outer surface of the sidewall andcomprising a horizontal skirt portion connected to the outer surface ofthe sidewall and extending outwardly from the outer surface and avertical skirt portion connected to the horizontal skirt portion andextending downward from the horizontal skirt portion, such that thevertical skirt portion is spaced outwardly from the sidewall, whereinthe skirt and the first and second handle mounts are integrally formedas a single piece that extends around a periphery of the sidewall;wherein the transverse portion and the vertical connecting portion ofthe first and second handle mounts are located above the horizontalskirt portion of the skirt; wherein a plurality of ports are defined inthe skirt and distributed around the periphery of the sidewall, each ofthe ports being configured for connection to external components; andwherein the plurality of ports include a first port on the horizontalskirt portion and a second port on the vertical skirt portion, whereinthe second port is below the first handle mount.
 14. The container ofclaim 13, wherein the transverse portions of the first and second handlemounts are continuous with the horizontal skirt portion.
 15. Thecontainer of claim 13, wherein the horizontal skirt portion and thetransverse portions of the first and second handle mounts combine toform a continuous surface extending around the periphery of thesidewall.
 16. The container of claim 13, wherein the bottom comprises abase and a pad connected to a bottom side of the base, the base having arib extending downward from the bottom side of the base, wherein the padis formed from a flexible material that is overmolded onto the bottomside of the base, such that the rib penetrates the pad and is covered bythe flexible material.